Much More Than Just Brick and Mortar I By Vicky Moon
PHOTOS BY MIDDLEBURG PHOTO
t’s a long way from The Hague in the Netherlands to the main street of Middleburg, but that’s how the journey to retail success began for entrepreneurs Tara and Ben Wegdam, with more to come.
The founders and owners of Crème de la Crème, loulou and zest in Middleburg, with shops in 24 additional locations on the East Coast, are about to open a fourth business in the village. It’s called Brick and Mortar and will be located in the old Southern States building on the west end of town. “We found that products for home, entertainment and a strong sense of local will be required ingredients to be successful in brick and mortar retail going forward,” Ben Wegdam said of the new venture. “This is how we came to naming it Brick and Mortar.
“Think of it as a collection of products that each have a story to tell, that are unique and create conversation. Brick and Mortar takes a new approach by encouraging customers to not just shop, but to genuinely engage and be entertained in a traditional retail store.”
Photos by Middleburg Photo
Ben and Tara Wegdam are stepping up with a new shop in Middleburg.
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Brick and Mortar’s first location opened in Leesburg about two years ago. Wegdam said the shop tries “to tell a story with our merchandise, our non-clickable interactions and our in-store entertainment, such as a piano, parakeets, live music and writers’ talks. We’re also applying for an ABC license and might even open up a beer once in a while.”
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every smile
comes from a place of safety and security that only a home can bring.
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Go Green Middleburg | Spring 2021
10/14/20 8:53 AM
